Penn State Altoona Campus

At Penn State Altoona, you’ll find the appeal of a small, private college, with the name recognition and prestige of a major research university. You’ll find a world-class faculty at Penn State Altoona with small classes and excellent support systems enable students to reach their fullest potential.

A Major Research Facility

The small campus environment allows for a comprehensive learning experience while combining the high standards of a major research university.

Penn State Altoona, with the third largest enrollment of the 24 locations making up the Pennsylvania State University system, is a full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park.

Penn State Altoona offers baccalaureate degree programs, associate degree programs, and the first two years of course work for more than 180 Penn State majors that can be completed at other Penn State campuses.

Downtown Campus

In 1999, the College added its first location in downtown Altoona with the leasing of the Downtown Conference Center, formerly the Playhouse Theater. Managed by the continuing education and training office, programs and courses for individuals, businesses and the community were offered. Soon thereafter, the entire continuing education and training office relocated to downtown Altoona and the Conference Center was purchased by the College in 2005.

In 2007, the college’s Downtown Conference Center was rededicated as the Devorris Downtown Center to honor the philanthropy of local entrepreneur Donald Devorris and his wife Nancy. The Aaron Building in downtown Altoona was also acquired by the college and ABCD Corporation, paving the way for the college to provide multi-campus course offerings.

Over the next two years, the building was renovated to include the Dining Car Downtown eatery, state-of-the-art facilities devoted to the nursing and communications programs, as well as the Office of Continuing Education and Training.

The Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Through the generous donation of philanthropist, Penn State graduate, and businessman Steve Sheetz and his wife, Nancy, The Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence opened its doors in fall 2011. The Center’s mission – underscored by a deep interdisciplinary nature – is to develop entrepreneurial leaders and foster the creation of successful ventures within the Penn State Altoona community.

It also serves as the home for Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE). SIFE is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. Participating students form teams on their university campuses and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.